Stress can be a problem in itself. But stress often leads to unhealthy lifestyle patterns, which in turn lead to more stress. For example, when we are harried and under stress, we tend to make poor food choices. Unfortunately, these food choices can create more stress in the long run, as well as other problems. However, there are several things you can do to make healthy food choices. Here are just some ways to ensure better nutrition that can work for even the busiest people. They will help you feel healthier, more productive and best of all less stressed. After a few weeks, they will become habit and you won’t even have to think about good nutrition. And your body, not to mention your stress level, will feel the difference.

Take breakfast

You may rationalize that you are not hungry yet, that you do not have time, that lunch will come soon enough, that you need to diet anyway, or that the milk in the latte you pick up on the way is all the good nutrition you need. But skipping breakfast makes it harder to maintain stable blood sugar levels and effective functioning during your busy morning; you need it. Just grab a hard-boiled egg and a piece of fruit on your way.

Opt for green tea

If you are a coffee junkie, you may not realize the effects caffeine has on your system. However, you can reduce your stress levels and improve your mental performance throughout the day if you gradually decrease the amount of caffeine intake. A relatively easy and healthy way to do that is to replace coffee with decaffeinated green tea, which has a soothing taste and the added benefit of loads of antioxidants.

Try sparkling juice

If you are a cola drinker, you are probably experiencing the same health consequences from caffeine that coffee drinkers experience. A more healthful alternative is sparkling fruit juice or sparkling water. You will still be getting a refreshing treat, but you will be adding water to your system, rather than detracting it and avoiding other caffeine-related side effects.

Carry a snack

Having some protein-rich, healthful snacks in your car, office or purse can help you avoid blood sugar level dips and accompanying mood swings and fatigue. Moreover you should always have water handy, as it is so vital to health and proper physical functioning.

Healthy munches

If you find that you absently munch when you are stressed, or have a pattern of snacking at certain times in the day or week, you can replace chips, cheese puffs and other less-healthy munchies with carrot sticks, sunflower seeds or other more healthy choices. Even popcorn is a better choice if you leave off the butter and salt.

Eat home-made lunch

Many people go out for lunch to fast food places, coffee shops or restaurants that serve less-than-optimally-healthy fare. While this does save a bit of time, you can save money and usually eat much healthier if you take a few extra minutes to pack and bring a lunch from home. Even if you do this only for a few days a week, it would be an improvement.

Stock your home with healthy items

Even more important than getting the bad stuff out of your house is getting healthy food in! The best way is to plan a menu of healthy meals and snacks at the beginning of each week, list the ingredients you will need, and shop for everything once a week. That way you know you will have what you want when you need it, and you won’t have to stress over what to eat each night.

Well, adopting stress reducing techniques should also reduce your stress-induced cravings for unhealthy or excessive food. Just make your mind.